For centuries, Troy has been attracting landmarks to people who are looking for the flair of small, unpretentious places, and I have to admit that I feel a bit like a explorer every time I land here. The city was founded in 1815, then still a wild border post in the heart of Troy Township, Perry County, and has survived more than a few old wooden houses since then – it has developed a self-confidence that you rarely find outside film sets. When I turn down the State Road 37 by car, you immediately feel that the country still smells of corn and history, while the old church towers in the background quietly tell of past generations.
I've tried the journey again and again by train – the next stop is a bit outside, so you have to swing a bit, but this gives you the perfect excuse to admire the rural fields before arriving in the small place. What I particularly like is the way people cultivate their own traditions here without sinking too much into nostalgia. I don't understand the hype about the annual harvest festivals, but the relaxed atmosphere and the honest smile of the locals make it really great. And yes, if you go to “Troy Sights” you will find not only dusty posters, but lively stories that you can best hear with a cool beer in the local pub.
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The first stop of my little Odyssey is Patoka LakeIt's just half an hour drive north of Troy. I have to admit, I was skeptical because the water here looks more like a huge pond, but the anglers there swear on the catch of bass that are almost as big as my expectations of the city life. Parking is usually a Klacks – a few free places on the main entrance, as long as you don't arrive on Saturday night with a horde kayak driver, then this will be a small battlefield.
A short detour into Hoosier National Forest makes me almost forget that I even have a car. The paths here are not exactly Instagram ready, but this is exactly what I love about this forest: no crowded path, only the razing of leaves and the occasional rolling of a distant bear (I have never seen one, but the sound is soothing). I tried the Trail of Tears Scenic Byway – a name that sounds more like historical tragedy than a scenic ride, and yet it offers breathtaking views of the hill country that you only know from postcards.
If you are looking for something technical, the next goal will lead you to the Cannelton Locks and Dam. I don't quite understand the hype about this concrete block, but the acting when a huge lock operation turns the water into a controlled noise has something hypnotic calming. The visitor center is small, but the view from the upper platform is unpaid – especially at sunset when the light dips the water into liquid gold. Parking is a bit tricky here, because the terrain offers limited pitches; an early appearance is worth it.
Only one cat jump further Historic Cannelton District, a piece of lively history that extends between old brick buildings and modern cafes. I discovered a small bakery there, which is supposed to have the best apple cake recipe in the region – no joke, the particle of cinnamon was almost as strong as the aroma of the history that is in the façades. The streets are narrow, parking is a bit of an adventure (you have to run a few blocks), but this is part of the charm when you feel like a time traveler.
A bit further south, on the banks of the Ohio River, lies Tell City. Here the imposing Perry County Courthouse dominates, a building that looks like it had an architect from the 19th century. century an espresso had too much. I made a tour there with a local historian who knew more about local legends than a Wikipedia entry. The river itself offers a quiet promenade, ideal for a walk if you have enough of the forest noises. Parking is easy to find at the town hall, but at the weekend it can be filled quickly because the city then holds its weekly markets.
Last but not least a short trip to Ohio River Scenic Byway, who moves through the landscape like a band of asphalt and always offers small viewpoints, where you can observe the water, as it slopes comfortably. I discovered an old fishing village there, which has hardly any inhabitants, but there are plenty of stories about life on the river. Parking is practically always available here, because most of the places consist of only a few pebbles that you can easily overlook if you don't watch.
So next time you think about what you can experience in the vicinity of Troy Township, Perry, Indiana, remember: Troy Attractions not only are a few dusty points on a map, but a mix of nature, history and a bit of local peculiarity, which makes every traveller – even the slightly cynical – a snoop.
The story of Troy begins long before the first asphalt I've ever scratched on Main Street. Those who come to Troy, Indiana for the first time will immediately notice that the town has more charm than a dusty museum – and this is not just the old bricks that leave a bit more here every year.
My personal favorite spot is the imposing Perry County Courthouse, which stands proudly above the marketplace. I don't understand the hype around huge glass façades, but this brick building from the 1920s has something unpredictable, which will excite me every time when I look at the artistic columns and the slightly sloping movement in the tower. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem – then the cars are like a traffic jam from tractors in front of the entrance.
A short walk down the main road leads to Troy Public Library. I spent more time there than I wanted to admit, because I looked at the shelves for yellowed editions of local history books. The library is a real secret tip for readers, and the staff there always has a dry joke when you ask for a book about the “Perry County Ghosts” – no joke, the book really exists.
If you are looking for a little more spirituality, check out the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The church of 19th The century has an inner life that is almost as impressive as the wooden pulpit that I almost bumped into one of my first visits – fortunately the pastor has responded quickly. I have to admit that I don't quite understand the sound of the organ, but the echo in the high vaults is really soothing.
Another stop I can't leave is the Perry County Historical Museum. There are old maps that show how the area was once dominated by rivers and forests, and a few dusty tools that remind me of my childhood when I tried to shoot apples with a self-made catapult. The museum is small, but the stories that are told there are bigger than the whole building.
For those who prefer to be out there are the Troy Community Park. I made a picnic there while a local baseball team played a game – the audience was small, but the enthusiasm was huge. The park has a small lake where ducks swim, and a few benches that are perfect to enjoy the sun when you have no appointment at the local hairdresser.
And yes, if you’re looking for an overview, just tap “Troy Sights” into your search engine – you’ll quickly realize that most lists repeat the same old talk. However, what I repeatedly stress is that the true heart of Troy is not in the brochures, but in the conversations with the people who live here, and in the small details that you only discover when you are not limited to the main roads.
Finally, I have to mention the annual Perry County Fairgrounds. The terrain is a few minutes outside the center, but if you're there in the summer, you can enjoy the sound of carousel and the aroma of burnt almonds – a bit cheesy, but honestly a perfect conclusion for a day when you were fighting through the many facets of Troy.
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